Industry Insights Healthcare: 29/08/24
This week’s insights focus on three of the latest findings and developments in the healthcare industry.
Encoding genes outside the genome: Is it possible?
A new study by researchers at Columbia University revealed that bacteria can create free-floating and temporary genes that exist outside of their genomes. The researchers discovered this phenomenon while studying an antiviral bacterial defence protein, which they named ‘Neo’. This discovery challenges the traditional understanding that all genetic instructions are contained within an organism’s chromosomes. It also suggests the possibility of undiscovered extrachromosomal genes in humans, which could have implications for understanding human physiology and disease. The unique properties of the reverse transcriptase involved in the bacterial defence system could lead to novel gene editing techniques and gene therapies.
Further reading: Science journal study (paywalled), Science Daily article
WHO releases an update on the mpox situation: ‘It is not the same as COVID-19.’
Last week, the WHO (World Health Organization) declared mpox a public health emergency after a case spread outside Africa. This announcement has raised questions about how this transmissible disease might pose an international risk similar to that of COVID-19.
Hans Kluge – WHO’s Europe regional director – emphasised that mpox, regardless of its strain, is not a new COVID-19 as it can be controlled. He urged global cooperation to tackle mpox, warning that the response will be a critical test for the world. Mpox is typically associated with mild skin lesions and flu-like symptoms, but it can be life-threatening in some cases. The spread of the clade 1b strain, which is transmitted quickly through close contact, has received particular attention.
Link to statement
Find out more about the transmission, symptoms, prevention and treatment of mpox.
New technique may help to prevent relapses after CAR T-cell therapy
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have developed a novel therapeutic platform called CAR-E (CAR-enhancer) to address the challenge of relapse in patients receiving CAR T-cell therapy. Unlike traditional CAR T-cell therapy, which modifies T cells directly, CAR-E works externally: it delivers a molecule that enhances the persistence and functionality of CAR T cells already present in the body. The CAR-E platform has demonstrated promising results in animal studies by boosting CAR T-cell proliferation, diversity and long-term memory. The researchers say that their findings pave the way for clinical trials to ensure the safety of CAR-E therapy and determine its optimal dosing and administration schedule.
Further reading: Dana Farber website, Nature journal article
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